One of French President Emmanuel Macron's closest political allies caused a stir on Monday by backing constitutional changes that would allow the head of state to run for a third term.

Former MP and parliamentary speaker Richard Ferrand told the right-wing newspaper Figaro on Monday that he opposes the constitutional two-term limit, which would require Macron to step down in 2027.

“Personally, I am against anything that limits the expression of the will of the people,” he said, prompting a flood of headlines and criticism from political opponents.

Ferrand criticized presidential term limits and new rules introduced in 2014 that make it impossible for MPs and senators to also serve as mayors or regional heads.